The 15 Best Places to Sell Non-Working/”Junk” Cars

There are several places where you can sell a junk car, including Junk My Car, National Cash 4 Cars, Pink-n-Pull, and RCO Cash for Cars, to name a few. While some people won’t find selling their junk car a daunting task at all — they may simply choose to put up a “for sale” sign and leave the car on the side of the road — going straight to a junk car buyer can save time and trouble. Here’s the list of the 14 best place to sell your old car that doesn’t run.

How Much Can You Expect to Get for Your Non-Running Vehicle?

Even among non-starting vehicles, there’s a wide spectrum of problems and conditions that could affect the value of a car. For example, your car could be in relatively good shape except for one defective or broken part. You might not be interested in getting that one part repaired because of the expense, but that car is going to be worth far more than one that’s essentially totaled and can only be sold for scrap. As a base price, a car sold for scrap will bring in, on average, about $300.

If your car is still running, you may be able to estimate its worth by checking your car’s Kelley Blue Book (KBB) estimate — but don’t get too excited about that figure alone. Since you’re looking to junk your vehicle, it is likely in need of some major repairs. For a more accurate valuation, subtract the estimated cost of repairs from the KBB estimate. Keep this number in mind when seeking quotes for cash.   

Because of the wide range of conditions among non-starting cars, it’s hard to tell how much you may get. But, if you are looking to sell a car that is newer and has a lot of working parts, you may be able to get thousands of dollars if you’re willing to do a bit of legwork to find the best offer.

How to Get the Best Price for Your Car

In many cases, the companies we’ve listed below offer free quotes for your car, no matter the condition. Don’t hesitate to request quotes from multiple dealers to be sure you are getting the best possible price. Almost all of these services are available nationwide, so if they are willing to give you a free quote, it never hurts to ask. You may be able to get a quote over the phone after answering a few questions or you may be asked to send in photos of the vehicle to complete the process.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Beware of the bait and switch: If the company makes you an offer, be sure that it’s binding, meaning they can’t change the selling price once they’ve arrived to pick up the car.
• Resale value diminishes the longer you have a car: The more a car sits around, the more you risk losing value for working parts that will only deteriorate as time goes on, so consider seller sooner, rather than later.
• If your car still runs, you may want to consider selling to an individual rather than a junk car company: You may get more money for it that way. If the car no longer runs, consider selling it to a junkyard or salvage yard.

If you choose to sell to a company, the process of selling your vehicle will be pretty straightforward. You’ll call the company or submit a contact form online with the details of your car. The company will come back with a quote. Then, once you’ve found a company that makes a good offer, you’ll arrange a pick-up or tow service. Some places require you to be present when the car is picked up, while some do not.

You’ll need to work out the specifics regarding a meeting time and place, as well as what documentation you need to have with you when the sale is officially made. You may receive payment on the spot for the agreed-upon amount, or the company could mail you a check. Like any other major transaction, don’t be afraid to ask questions or clarify anything you’re uncertain about — it will save lots of time and trouble if both parties have aligned their expectations.

The List of Places That Will Buy a Non-Running or Junk Car

Now that you have a good idea about the process of selling a non-running car and how to get the best possible price, take a look at our list of companies that buy damaged, wrecked, and non-starting vehicles. If you’re worried about credibility, you can always check a company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. Businesses on this site are graded based on customer reports and other information.

Pick-n-Pull

• Pickup policy: Free towing if you are in one of Pick-n-Pull’s local towing zones
• Inspection fee: Not disclosed
• Payment type: Check, either by mail, delivery, or held for pickup at a local Pick-n-Pull location
• Types of vehicles bought: All makes and models (running and not)
• Coverage area: U.S. and Canada
• Learn more about Pick-n-Pull’s services
• Visit Pick-n-Pull’s contact page

CarMax

See our article: Does CarMax Buy Old Cars? CarMax Store Policy & Appraisal Process

CashForCars.com

• Pickup policy: Pickup free of charge
• Inspection fee: None
• Payment type: Payment made by cash at the time of pickup
• Types of vehicles bought: Damaged, used and junk 2002-present vehicles
• Coverage area: Nationwide
• Learn more about CashForCars.com’s services
• Visit CashForCars.com’s contact page

DamagedCars.com

• Pickup policy: Free towing from a local provider at pickup
• Inspection Fee: Not disclosed
• Payment type: Payment will be made by check when the vehicle is picked up
• Types of vehicles bought: Salvaged, totaled
• Coverage area: Continental U.S.
• Learn more about DamagedCars.com’s services
• Visit DamagedCars.com’s contact page

Junk My Car

• Pickup policy: Pickup is free
• Inspection fee: None specified
• Payment type: Payment made by cash upon pickup
• Types of vehicles bought: Any make, model, and condition
• Coverage area: Nationwide
• Learn more about Junk My Car’s services
• Visit Junk My Car’s contact page

National Cash 4 Cars

• Pickup policy: Pickup free of charge
• Inspection fee: None
• Payment type: Vehicle paid for upon pickup; type of payment not specified
• Types of vehicles bought: Any make or model, no matter the mileage, in any condition, including non-running
• Coverage area: Nationwide
• Learn more about National Cash 4 Cars’ services
• Visit National Cash 4 Cars’ contact page

Old Junk Car

• Pickup policy: Pick-up is free
• Inspection fee: None
• Payment type: Payment made by cash upon pickup
• Types of vehicles bought: Any make, model, and condition accepted, including both cars and trucks. Motorcycles and trailers are not accepted.
• Coverage area: Nationwide
• Learn more about Old Junk Car’s services
• Visit Old Junk Car’s contact page

PayMax Car Buyers

• Pickup policy: Free pickup
• Inspection fee: Not disclosed
• Payment type: Instant cash offer
• Types of vehicles bought: Like new, used, or damaged 2002-present vehicles in “as-is” condition
• Coverage area: Most of the U.S.
• Learn more about PayMax Car Buyers’ services
• Visit PayMax Car Buyers’ contact page

RCO Cash for Cars

• Pickup policy: Pickup is free
• Inspection fee: Not disclosed
• Payment type: Payment made by cash upon pickup
• Types of vehicles bought: Any make, model, and condition accepted, including both cars and trucks. Motorcycles and trailers are not accepted.
• Coverage area: Nationwide
• Learn more about RCO Cash for Cars’ services
• Visit RCO Cash for Cars’ contact page

Rusty’s Auto Salvage

• Pickup policy: Free towing
• Inspection fee: Not disclosed
• Payment type: Cash paid on the spot; other payment options (“vacation, donation or gift offers”) may be available; call for details
• Types of vehicles bought: Any car in any condition worth up to $10,000
• Coverage area: Nationwide
• Learn more about Rusty’s Auto Salvages services
• Visit Rusty’s Auto Salvage’s contact page

SellTheCarUSA.com

• Pickup policy: Pickup free of charge
• Inspection fee: Not disclosed
• Payment type: Type of payment not specified; payment will be made to the seller upon pick-up
• Types of vehicles bought: Wrecked, damaged, non-starting
• Coverage area: Not specified, but appears to be nationwide
• Learn more about SellTheCarUSA.com’s services
• Visit SellTheCarUSA.com’s contact page

TheClunkerJunker.com

• Pickup policy: Pick-up is free
• Inspection fee: None
• Payment type: Typically, cash or a check upon pickup, but other payment methods may be available
• Types of vehicles bought: Any make, model, and condition accepted
• Coverage area: Nationwide
• Learn more about TheClunkerJunker.com’s services
• Visit TheClunkerJunker.com’s contact page

USJunkCars.com

• Pickup policy: Pickup is free
• Inspection fee: None
• Payment type: Cash, check, or money order upon pickup
• Types of vehicles bought: Almost any make, model, and condition accepted, including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs
• Coverage area: Continental U.S.
• Learn more about USJunkCars.com’s services
• Visit USJunkCars.com’s contact page

WeBuyCars.com

• Pickup policy: Free towing provided at pickup
• Inspection fee: Not disclosed
• Payment type: Payment made by cash at the time of pickup
• Types of vehicles bought: Vehicles in all kinds of conditions
• Coverage area: Nationwide service (extended-level service offered in California, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Washington, Texas, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania)
• Learn more about WeBuyCars.com’s services
• Visit WeBuyCars.com’s contact page

In Summary

Getting a car that doesn’t start off of your hands isn’t always the easiest process. It’s especially hard to know where to start with a car that you can’t even move out of your driveway. Luckily, there are several online options that will connect you with buyers for your junked, wrecked, or damaged car. Be sure to shop around for the best price, and request quotes from all your potential buyers, to make sure you get the best deal possible.